The Brothers’ War at Gettysburg

The Civil War has accumulated several references over the years—“The Great Rebellion,” “War Between the States,” and “War for Southern Independence,” to name a few. One reference that is practically true to Gettysburg is “The Brothers’ War.” There are countless Civil War stories of brothers fighting alongside one another in battle, and some even on opposite sides. These three hit close to home.

Levi & Henry Walker

Southern brothers Levi and Henry enlisted together at Mecklenburg County, N.C. in May 1861. They served alongside each other for two years, separated only by visits to the hospital for battle wounds. In fact, Levi was shot in the left leg and taken prisoner at Gettysburg, and his leg was amputated. Following suit, Henry was also shot in the left leg on the retreat near Hagerstown, Md., and had his
leg amputated.

Years later, Levi slipped and broke his cork leg on his wedding day, leaving him unable to stand for the ceremony. Luckily, his brother came to the rescue and lent him his own cork leg so Levi could stand up on his big day. This could very well be the only time on record where one man was married while standing on the leg of another!

Isaac & Patrick Taylor

Isaac was born in 1837 and his brother Patrick closely followed in 1838. Both brothers attended college in Illinois to become teachers. They enlisted to fight in the war and served in the 1st Minnesota. Isaac kept a detailed diary throughout the war, which became a primary source for regimental historian Richard Moe. During the Battle of Gettysburg, the fighting of the Taylor brothers’ regiment is legendary. The men offered a sacrificial charge resulting in an 82-percent loss of men within 15 minutes of combat.

When the dust settled, Patrick anxiously searched for his brother, only to find him dead with shell wounds to his head and back. He gathered his brother’s items and buried him the next day. After laying him to rest, he made one last entry in his brother’s diary: “July 4: The owner of this diary was killed…with his face toward the enemy.”

Henry survived the war.

George & Thomas Dennen

Identical twins George and Thomas Dennen both served in the New York City fire department and, with many of their colleagues, enlisted in the 73rd New York Fire Zouaves in 1861. The two brothers were not only identical physically; they also embodied the same walk, gestures, tone of voice, and unique laugh. They were great counterparts, officers, and friends. They often used their unique likeness of one another to play jokes and tricks on fellow soldiers. The brothers fought together until Thomas was struck with a head wound during the Seven Days Battles in 1862.

He rejoined his brother several months later, for the spring campaign of 1863. At Chancellorsville, Thomas was struck again by enemy fire and died on the field.

George dropped to his knees and wept over his dead brother. He was so distraught that the company Sergeant remarked that he could never forget the sight of the grief-stricken George. After that, George was never the same—he was often seen weeping in his tent clutching his twin’s photograph. When comrades tried to console him by commenting how handsome he looked in his officer’s uniform, he replied, “I shall not wear it long; I shall follow Tom and be killed in the next battle.” He repeated this sentiment on a daily basis during the march to Gettysburg, where he died as a result of wounds suffered in the Peach Orchard.

From sharing a leg and a laugh to a diary and death, these stories remind us of the human sacrifice of war—and the unbreakable bond of brotherhood.

Sue Boardman is a licensed battlefield guide, Cyclorama historian, author, and the leadership program director for Gettysburg Foundation. Elle Lamboy is the director of membership and philanthropic communications for Gettysburg Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization working with the National Park Service to enhance preservation and understanding of the heritage of Gettysburg and its national parks. Gettysburg Foundation also owns and operates Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. Visit www.gettysburgfoundation.org.

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About Author

Sue Boardman is a licensed battlefield guide, Cyclorama historian, author, and the leadership program manager for the Gettysburg Foundation. Elle Lamboy is the membership and communications manager for the Gettysburg Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization working with the National Park Service to enhance preservation and understanding of the heritage of Gettysburg and its national parks. The Gettysburg Foundation also owns and operates the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center.